Trials of Blood and Kindness

by CommanderX5

Epilogue

“How was the birthday party?” Blaze asked while helping to clean up the decorations. Much to his worry, three young mares stood in front of him with saddened smiles. “Is something wrong?”

Fluttershy went ahead of the group and spoke first, “I’m not safe here anymore. If I stay here, I'll put you all in grave danger.”

“What do you mean?” Blaze asked. His wife dropped her cleaning tools and rushed to join them.

Assured by Fluttershy that Dash’s parents could be trusted, Ditzy spent the next few minutes explaining the situation, while revealing her own secret.

“–My mom found a few places where we can live in Ponyville, and we were about to move there. During our search, she also found an abandoned cottage on the edge of the Everfree Forest and a vacant cloud house, both very cheap.”

Rainbowshine looked at Fluttershy. “Are you sure there is no other way?”

The thestral shook her head. “I wish there was.” She sighed. “For them, I am just a threat, yet another pureblood to remove or banish. Leaving is the most peaceful solution.”

“And I’m moving too,” Dash added with a determined stomp, causing her parents to step back and look at her with wide eyes. “I’ll help her settle down in the cottage, and I can live with her until I fix that house in the sky.”

Both parents ran to Dash and knelt as Blaze spoke first, “What? You can’t leave us just like that! And how can you two even afford those homes, even if they are cheap?”

Dash pointed at the grey pegasus, who waved at them with cheerful smile. “Derpy said that her parents owe a debt to Flutters’ family, so they will cover the cost.” She sighed. “I know it may be difficult, but I am no longer a filly. I can take care of myself, and so can Fluttershy.”

The vampony nodded with a surprising amount of determination. She approached Dash’s mother and stood on her rear hooves as she whispered into her ear, “In a few months, the effect of the age-altering spell will vanish. I will take care of Dash and keep her from trouble.”

She took a quick breath and continued, concern clear in her voice, "From what my parents told me, young purebloods prefer to turn ponies who are already athletic or skilled in combat. That, and those who wander outside late at night." She stroked Dash’s mother’s foreleg and said in a warmer tone, "Avoid standing out, and you both should be safe."

Fluttershy shot her fast flying friend a quick glance before continuing, "Your daughter, on the other hoof, will be safer away from Cloudsdale."

Rainbow Dash tilted her head in confusion, wondering what her friend was keeping a secret from her.

Rainbowshine was taken aback by Fluttershy’s promise and warning, but most of all by the strength in her voice. This wasn’t the devastated and broken filly they had taken care of for half a year, but a mature pureblood thestral filled with hope. Was this the result of Ditzy’s encouragements? Or was the age-altering spell finally giving up?

Dash’s mother rubbed her chin. Once she was at her full age, Fluttershy would be capable to look after her daughter. Suddenly, worry about Dash’s education crossed her mind. “And what about school? We can provide you both with bits and food until you find a job, but what about your studies?”

“Actually...” Derpy raised her forehoof. “There are some free spots in the weather department, at least this is what my mom told me. The age requirement is fifteen years minimum, and they provide a quick course about weather management. They tend to overlook the education so long as the pegasus can do its job.”

“See?” Dash added with a confident smile. “I’m the fastest in my class. It should be a breeze for me.”

Rainbowshine’s eyes watered as she embraced her daughter tightly enough to keep the air from reaching her lungs. ”You are growing so fast.”

Blaze joined the hug. “I am proud of you, Dash. I am sure you’ll show those ponies in Ponyville how to manage weather. After all, I taught you everything I know.”

“Thanks Dad... Mom...” the young mare said, barely catching her breath between her words as she struggled to free herself. She slowly pushed herself away from the embrace. “A little air… please.”

Released from the hug, she fell onto her flank and massaged her back. She looked up at her parents, who were on the verge of tears, and looked around, making sure there weren’t many witnesses. With a deep breath, she spoke, “I love you.”

“We love you too,” both parents responded in unison. Their attention slowly switched to Fluttershy, who sat behind Derpy and observed the situation with a warm smile.

Derpy walked to the side as both parents approached Fluttershy. Blaze spoke first, “Should I call you Miss Fluttershy from now on, or would you prefer Lady Fluttershy instead?”

“W-what?”

“You’re about to go live on your own… away from us, that is. Surely calling you a filly would be disrespectful,” Blaze continued before chuckling. “Not to mention that you are far older than me.”

“I guess...” she said before being caught in a tight hug by Dash’s mother.

“Even under our care, you never went outside and talked to anypony beside us. Are you sure you’re prepared to move away?” Rainbowshine asked with concern. “Not to mention to look after my daughter?”

“What?” Dash flinched before stomping. “I will look after Flutters, not the other way around.”

Fluttershy sighed. “I don’t have much of a choice anyway. This place is not safe for me any longer, and if I stay here, it won’t be for you.” She smiled and added cheerfully, “After all the support and acceptance you showed me, I wouldn’t dare to be a burden to you.”

“You were never a burden to us, dear. We will miss you,” Shine said. With her mouth close to the vampony’s ear, she asked, “Still, what about your feeding habits? I don’t want you to starve yourself… again.”

Not bothering to resist the warm embrace, she placed her forelegs around Rainbowshine, only to feel a pair of wings circle her own back. The gesture left her conflicted. The joy of being accepted into a loving family during times of hardship, mixed with regret of leaving them behind. “I… will think of something.”

The pegasus freed Fluttershy from her hug and exposed her neck, a farewell gift for the incoming journey. Once Fluttershy finished and licked his wound, he gave her a stern glare. "One more thing."

"Y-yes?"

"We have been taking care of you until now since you saved our daugther's life, but from now on you two will be on your own." He pointed at Fluttershy and whispered, "Keep yourself and our daughter out of trouble and away form the conflict including your race. Rainbow Dash is a bit too brave for her own good, and I wouldn't be happy if she hurt herself on your watch. Am I clear?"

Fluttershy gulped and nodded.

Rainbowshine gave her daughter a similar look. "Rainbow Dash, I'm expecting you to behave and stay out of danger. Try your best to help and take care of Fluttershy, but also listen to her since she's older and more experienced. In case of danger, use your speed to escape instead of rushing into it. I hope we have a understanding."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "Fiiineee..." She blushed upon getting a quick kiss in the cheek. "Mooom!"

“Hello, I have never seen you before, have I seen you before?” Those were the second words Fluttershy heard upon their arrival at the cottage, coming from a young pink mare who seemed eager to welcome her into Ponyville.